A scout troop which has served the community for more than 90 years is at risk of closure if more volunteers do not step forward.

The 1st Knebworth (Earl of Lytton’s Own) Scout Troop urgently needs to recruit a new leader and assistant leader after the two exisiting volunteers had to suddenly step down due to personal reasons.

Senior group scout leader Steve Palacio said: “I have been in uniform for more than 20 years and stepped back from running the troop due to work commitments and because we need new blood.

“My assistant also stepped back and we had a couple running the troop, but unfortunately, and rather suddenly, they had to stop before the first meeting back in September, after the summer holidays.

“Whilst we have got people who can help out, the one thing we haven’t got yet is a new leader and an assistant leader, and we need both as a minimum.

“Our district, which is Stevenage, has been unable to help.”

Steve had invited potential volunteers to the scout hut in Knebworth earlier this month for an informal chat, but the evening did not result in filling the vacant positions.

Steve said: “We are going to call a meeting with the parents of the young people in our troop shortly, in the hope we can encourage some volunteers.

“We haven’t been able to hold a meeting since before the summer holidays because we don’t have a leader and assistant leader.”

Regarding the responsiblities of the volunteering roles, Steve said: “The troop meets every Wednesday and the leader is responsible for running these meetings, and then there is a varied programme of camps, competitions and other events.

“It’s a great group and the friendships scouts make and the self-assuredness they gain is fantastic.

“We are always looking for people to help, so those who want to get involved and help our young people in gaining confidence and learning life skills please get in touch.”

A leadership training programme - which can be completed in modules online at your own pace - as well as support from experienced leaders will be made available.

If you are interested in more information, call Steve on 07787 530668 or email him at steve.palacio@live.co.uk.